Turmeric is a well-known anti-inflammatory herb that is said to clean up acne and heal acne scars. This golden spice, which adds flavor to curry and other meals, is normally fairly safe to use and can be found in a variety of skincare products available today. Turmeric has been utilized in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, but modern research has yet to definitively prove its specific benefits.
Did You Know?
Turmeric has been used for over 4,000 years in Ayurvedic medicine, not just for its flavor but also for its healing properties! #turmeric #acnefightingpower #antiinflammatoryherb
What is Turmeric?
Curcuma longa, sometimes known as turmeric, is a plant native to Asia. It's a relative of ginger with a characteristic spicy smokey flavor. The root is dried and powdered to create the vivid golden yellow to orange spice. It is commonly used in Indian cooking and may be found in the spice (and supplement) aisles of your local grocery shop.
Turmeric has been used for ages in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to address a wide range of health issues. It has traditionally been used to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive problems and arthritis. It has also been used in folk medicine to treat skin conditions such as diaper rash, psoriasis, and acne (1✔ ✔Trusted Source
Turmeric).
Health Benefits of Turmeric
Although more than 300 components of turmeric have been found, curcumin is the most extensively investigated. Curcumin appears to be the active component responsible for the majority of turmeric's health effects. Turmeric may be beneficial for the following conditions, according to research studies (2✔ ✔Trusted Source
Turmeric Benefits):
- Inflammation
- Arthritis
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Mood Disorders
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Dementia
- Degenerative eye disorders
- Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol levels in the blood)
- Muscle discomfort following activity
- Kidney health
Researchers are also investigating turmeric's anti-cancer effects.
Antibacterial Effects of Turmeric
In terms of acne treatment, turmeric has various properties that make it worth exploring. Turmeric is known for its anti-aging properties (3✔ ✔Trusted Source
Turmeric and Its Major Compound Curcumin on Health: Bioactive Effects and Safety Profiles for Food, Pharmaceutical, Biotechnological and Medicinal Applications).
Turmeric has been investigated both topically and orally, and despite being one of the most extensively researched herbal medicines, researchers have very limited definitive information at this time (4✔ ✔Trusted Source
Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence). Curcumin has been shown in experimental studies to destroy acne-causing germs, which is particularly intriguing.
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Propionibacteria acnes (P. acnes) bacterium are responsible for some cases of inflammatory acne. This bacterium is a natural resident of the skin; it does not indicate that you are unclean or unsanitary in any manner. This bacterium is growing increasingly resistant to antibiotics, which have been used to treat acne for decades. As a result, there has been a growing interest in developing alternative antimicrobial agents to replace antibiotic treatments.
Studies have demonstrated that curcumin in turmeric, when combined with blue light therapy, successfully kills P. acnes, making it a promising future treatment to replace resistance antibiotics (5✔ ✔Trusted Source
Efficient Photodynamic Killing of Gram-Positive Bacteria by Synthetic Curcuminoids), (6✔ ✔Trusted Source
Low-dose blue light irradiation enhances the antimicrobial activities of curcumin against Propionibacterium acnes). This investigation was conducted in vitro (in a test tube in a laboratory) and on pig skin rather than human skin. The fact that it works in a lab does not guarantee that it will work on human skin. As a result, additional research is required in this area.
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Anti-inflammatory Properties of Turmeric
The most well-known and researched advantage of turmeric is its anti-inflammatory qualities (7✔ ✔Trusted Source
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Curcumin in the Inflammatory Diseases: Status, Limitations and Countermeasures). There is some evidence that turmeric may help reduce acne inflammation, whether taken orally or topically (4✔ ✔Trusted Source
Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence). However, no big clinical research have been conducted, so we don't know for certain what effect turmeric has (if any) on acne inflammation in humans.
Turmeric Helps Reduce Acne Scarring
According to a few publications, turmeric can lighten hyperpigmentation, therefore it may be useful topically for reducing dark acne marks (8✔ ✔Trusted Source
Are Natural Ingredients Effective in the Management of Hyperpigmentation? A Systematic Review). However, it is unclear how long it would take to lighten dark areas, and there is no scientific evidence that turmeric works on pitted or depressed acne scars.
Although there are enough intriguing discoveries to keep researchers interested in this natural therapy, turmeric has not been shown to heal acne or acne scars. Although turmeric and its active ingredient curcumin have shown some promise, they have not yet been shown to treat any dermatological conditions.
Side Effects of Turmeric
It is crucial to note that turmeric might trigger a sort of allergic reaction known as contact dermatitis (9✔ ✔Trusted Source
Curcumin: A Contact Allergen). Some people experience redness, itching, and blisters after applying turmeric straight to their skin. Remember, just because turmeric is natural does not mean it is beneficial or even safe for your skin.
Another disadvantage of turmeric is that it can stain whatever it comes into contact with. In fact, it is employed as a dye in numerous cultures. So, before you make a turmeric mask, be aware that the bright yellow spice can stain your skin, clothes, countertops, washcloths, towels, and anything else it comes into touch with.
Alternate Ways to Add Turmeric to Routine
In general, turmeric is a relatively safe herbal medicine with a variety of ways to add it:
Cooking
The simplest, and undeniably most delicious, way to get your turmeric fix is to incorporate it into your meal. Use it in curries, soups and stews, rice, and steamed vegetables. It's a versatile spice that can be used in a variety of applications.
Turmeric Tea
There are several premade turmeric teas available, or you may brew your own by steeping the dried root or powder in hot water.
Turmeric or Curcumin Supplements
Although turmeric/curcumin pills are generally considered safe, high amounts might induce stomach distress and, in severe cases, ulcers (10✔ ✔Trusted Source
About Turmeric). Follow the directions on the packaging. Also, consult your healthcare physician before starting any supplements to ensure they are safe for you. Curcumin can interact with some drugs, including blood thinners. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid turmeric, and anyone with diabetes, gallstones, or bile duct obstruction should consult their doctor before taking it.
Turmeric Mask or Soap
Would you rather obtain your turmeric topically? Some over-the-counter skin care products contain turmeric (but the amount is questionable). If you opt to prepare a DIY turmeric mask, try it first to ensure that you do not have a response to the spice before applying it to your skin. You can perform a patch test by placing a small amount of your DIY mixture in the crook of your elbow on your inner arm. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing off.
To create a turmeric face mask, mix turmeric powder or extract with any of the below thickeners to form a paste:
- Warm water with honey
- Yogurt with lemon juice
- Aloe vera gel
- Water, almond or rice flour
Leave the mask on for about 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water and apply your regular moisturizer.
Over the next 24 hours, keep an eye out for redness, irritation, or rash on your skin. A lack of reaction on your arm does not guarantee that you will not respond on your face; but, if your arm becomes irritated, you will know without a doubt not to use it on your face. The patch test will also reveal how much staining you will receive from that specific mix.
Understand that you can acquire a sensitivity to turmeric over time, so you may experience a reaction even if you have previously used the spice on your skin without issue. Turmeric can be damaging to the skin, so use caution if your skin is already dry. Consult your dermatologist before using any turmeric preparations, homemade or store-bought.
Although turmeric is a well-known anti-inflammatory herb that has been explored as a treatment for a range of health concerns, its claims to reduce acne and repair acne scars have yet to be substantiated. If you choose to use turmeric, bear in mind that it is not a substitute for established acne drugs and treatments. If you need assistance with treatment, consult with your doctor or a dermatologist to decide the best acne treatment choice for you.
